Putting the spotlight on retailers whose business is an important part of community life

When Lynsey Jackson first laid eyes on Tilston Village Store, she knew she had to have it. The quaint charming, picture perfect store, which has been running continuously for the past 100 years, was exactly what she had been looking for.

‘I’d been travelling and my partner and I had a baby,’ explained Lynsey, who has children Charlie, 12 and Harrison, two. ‘I’d heard it was up for sale and thought it would be fantastic to run. I absolutely love it. I just think it’s the cutest little place I’ve ever seen.

‘Everyone knows everyone around here, they’re all really friendly. I have so much fun running the shop. We might not always have everything in but we’ll always do our best to get what people need.’

Lynsey, who took over from Mary Price, also a Tilston resident, said during its century of opening it has always been valued highly by the community. There has only been one occasion in its history when its future was in doubt. But locals loved it so much that they stepped in and ran it until it became successful again.

‘It’s much more than just a shop,’ said Lynsey. ‘It’s definitely a place to come and chat, a place for the community to meet and for people to get those things they need.

‘We also celebrate Cheshire produce here and have goods made by local people in the shop. It’s a seven day working week for us but I absolutely love it.’